Balochi freedom fighters blow up gas pipeline
Dated 4/2/2006
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Quetta: Tribesmen have blown up a gas pipeline in Pakistan's troubled southern province of Balochistan, officials say. Armed militants also fired more than 200 rockets at a major base belonging to the Pakistani security forces in the area, they said.
Both attacks took place in the district of Dera Bugti, about 350km (250 miles) from the provincial capital, Quetta.
The situation in Balochistan has deteriorated with increasing violence between rebels and security forces.
Dera Bugti is Pakistan's main gas producing area.
The district co-ordination officer, Abdul Samad Lasi, said a gas well and a 60-foot gas pipeline were damaged in the attack.
"These people have also planted landmines on major roads in Dera Bugti, and we are advising people to avoid travel until we clear the landmines," the Associated Press news agency quoted him as saying.
Powerful tribesmen
One security personnel was injured in the rocket attack on the base of the paramilitary Frontier Corps which also damaged nearby government buildings, Mr Lasi said.
Tribal militants in Balochistan, the source of Pakistan's main gas reserves, are demanding greater control over natural resources.
They are said to be led by Nawab Akbar Bugti, the leader of one of the most powerful tribes in the area.
The army launched a major crackdown last month after rockets were fired during a visit by President Pervez Musharraf.